August 20, 2026

 It has been a busy month and has just started to slow down a bit this week. The warm weather continues and the forests and vegetation are in great need of moisture as fires have been prevalent throughout the province and throughout the world. Summerland and Peachland were evacuated in the Okanagan.

Well, the highlight of these past weeks has been our Walker Family Reunion in Montana. We have been talking about it and planning it, for months, from arranging for accommodations for 31 people, to selecting a logo to go on the ordered sweatshirts and determining appropriate activities. Larissa certainly did the lion’s share as she provided their guest house by their home, allowed us to book their mountain cabin as well as booking an additional nearby condo, ordering the sweatshirts at discount from her friend and shopping for groceries to fill the fridge and cupboards. She suggested activities and made things happen. I so appreciate her efforts and I know everyone enjoyed themselves because of all she did. 

Let me walk you through our comings and goings of the reunion. Cindy, Paul and Max’s family set out on July 30th (Tom’s birthday) for Spokane. I left a little later, in my car, with Jack and Sam. I had the car gassed and charged and lunch packed. Spokane was our goal as well. I was driving when we finally got to the very slow moving boarder crossing and the guard asked what we were taking across to leave and I said “Just Edibles”, meaning fruit bars from Costco that the children like and painkillers for Trevor and Tammie. The guard kinda smiled and Jack started to laugh and said, “She means like snacks and bananas.” I was distressed and insisted we did not have fruit. He put a yellow card an our windshield and sent us to the inspection center. The dog had to be put in a kennel and we were sent into a holding area with many other people to await the outcome. I was afraid they would be upset with the two bottles of painkillers that are not sold in the USA. Finally they came and told us we could go. We freed the dog from detention and got back into our car. Once inside, Sam calmly said, “Just for future reference, you might not want to use the word Edibles at the border.” Apparently that word refers to marijuana put in baking. I hope they haven’t tagged me. My family thinks I am hilarious. I am just not up to date.What can I say! BUT, oh wait, it gets better. We had made it out of the pokey and were now travelling thru Bellingham, Mount Vernon and approaching Marysville and I am telling the boys about Grampa and I having a tire blow while travelling this stretch years before and suddenly our front right tire blows. Oh no! I got the car pulled over first to the left and then across all the lanes to the right. We took everythIng out of the back and no spare tire to be found. We finally had to call roadside assistance who sent a tow truck. When he arrived, he told us to stay in the car and suggested Jack drive it up the incline onto the flatbed and next thing you know we are bouncing along the freeway, in our car while on the tow truck flatbed. I am certain that is not legal in Canada. It was now close to 7:00 pm and the tire shop had kindly agreed to remain open for us. The tire was blown to pieces and the cause was unknown. Tire removed, new tire put in place and about $1,000 later, we set out for Spokane once again with Jack driving. I had the boys get something eat after getting the tire fixed and I ate some of what we had in the car. Dear dog Kona was just along for our crazy ride. Life with Gramma!! We made it to our Air BNB in Spokane around 2:30 am in one piece, I think.

Jack and Sam drove us on to Whitefish the next day. No drama involved. We were the first to arrive as Cindy’s group had stopped at Trader Joes and Costco. More groceries! Ross and Sarah arrived too. The Bull family served us BBQ that evening and, those that were there, settled into the Bull’s lovely mountain cabin. The next morning Rissa and I picked Zach and Mo up at the airport, Liza’s family arrived and we all went up on the chairlift to the mountain top. Some took the mountain sleds down and the young boys did the ropes course. Trevor, Tammie and Trey arrived after flying into Spokane and driving over. The Walker family stayed in the extra condo nearby. The Hardy family made dinner and kids did games and puzzles. Sunday we all went to Sacrament meeting then home for Walker family to do brunch. Justin’s family arrived having flown into Missoula and driven up and Bryson arrived, driving down from Alberta. We were finally ALL there except our Breya who was writing finals. We all made our way to the Shockey family’s ranch where everyone contributed to a lovely dinner eaten on tables Rissa and the boys had set up by the old barn. The photographer came and did all the pictures before dinner. Beautiful setting and beautiful family. I was so grateful to have all of them there. I had a little time with them in the evening back at the cabin to express my feelings and Tom’s. Love them all so much. On Monday we went into to town to walk around. Liza and Brendon ran into town from the guest house where their family was staying. We then went to the lake in the afternoon. Some swam, some went on paddle boards and some sat on the beach. Our children took me out for dinner in the evening to the golf club and we ordered pizza for all the grandchildren. They were busy playing a spirited game when we returned. Tuesday, Scott had to work and the rest of us drove to Glacier National Park. Some of the boys jumped off a bridge into the river while awaiting their river rafting appointment. Me, Max, Jacqui, their children, Cindy Paul, Sarah and Hansen, Trevor, Tammie, Jadyn, Treyson and Jaxon all went for lunch while the rest went river rafting. We all had a good time. The Burgess family made dinner that night and Trevor’s family drove to Spokane which now had a fire burning. The rest stayed until Wednesday and started to move out in various directions. The Hardy family went  to Alberta for a Hardy reunion. Liza and Sayde drove home while Brendon and the boys made an overnight stop at an amusement park. Justin, JayLynn, Jadyn and boys stayed another day, now in the guest house. Mo, Zach and Sam drove with me the full distance to Vancouver. We took the Canadian route home and crossed the border without incidence,

This was Mo’s first time to the Pacific Northwest and they came this time to attend Zach’s hockey friend Colton’s wedding on Vancouver Island. We picked up groceries on Thursday and got the car washed in the morning. We went to explore Fort Langley in the afternoon and go to the cemetery to visit the Tom’s grave. Zach wanted to go to the North Shore on Friday. We went to see our home, they climbed  the Grind while Kona and I waited at Cleveland Dam. I took them back to the Dam after they got back down and we went to West to see GG’s, the Sea Wall and have lunch. They were up early the next morning to catch the Horseshoe Bay Ferry to the island. I served in the Temple on Saturday and Bryson, Keaton and Sayde arrived for FSY. Bryson went to the airport to pick up his girlfriend Alia and brought her back so we could celebrate Sayde’s 15th birthday. The two of them went up to UBC to prepare as leaders for FSY. The two younger children spent Sunday with me and we got them ready for the camp. Zach and Mo returned and had dinner with us before taking the red eye home to New York that night. I drove the children to UBC Monday morning and suddenly I was alone. I got to cleaning things up and getting things done thru the week.

When I got back from the Temple the following Saturday, I was surprised to have not only Bryson, Keaton and Sayde here but Breya and Liza too. It was so wonderful to see Breya. She was our missing link at the reunion. She and Liza had come down to do a hike and surprise me. So fun. They all left in two cars after church and brunch on Sunday, that is to say after our neighbor Kirk got Liza’s dead battery charged. That is another story.

Back to more routine this week. Max, Jacqui, Aksel and Astrid fly home to Australia later tomorrow. What a month it has been. How I love my family and how I appreciate the mountains they moved in their lives to come together this month. We missed not only Breya but Halle, Anderson and Tom. Oh, how I love them ALL!

July 29

 Time seems to fly and I suddenly find several more weeks have past. 

We have been talking about and preparing for the Montana Family Reunion for months and now it is on our doorstep. I am praying for safety for everyone as they travel in and back from all parts of the world and for safety and love while we are together. Max, Jacqui, Aksel and Astrid arrived from Australia last Saturday and we blessed Astrid on Sunday while all four brothers were together. A heart touching sight to see. They will drive down with Cindy and Paul to Montana. Jack and Sam will drive with me, Ross, Sarah and Hansen will drive on their own. The Burgess family will come from Kelowna. Trevor’s family will fly in on Saturday from different locations to different locations and Bryson will drive in from Alberta, I believe. The Bull family are awaiting our arrival, having made most of the preparations and plans. Excited and blessed!

Melanie and I have visited a couple of our older sisters the last couple of weeks and still have many more to go. The two of us had a breakfast meeting one day as well. Our dear Tina went thru the Temple to receive her endowment and I served as her LOW. Serveral others attended along with her daughter Ladina and the rest of her children met her outside the Temple afterward. I had Camille’s family stay a couple of days for Presley to have medical checkups and for Camille and Daylon to attend the Temple. The McCues stopped in while they were here to pick up Jeff’s belongings after Cindy got them from the cruise and they had stopped to get Jeff’s truck. He will be staying at Jenn’s for the time being. They all loved Joanne’s Family Birthday Cruise to Alaska. We had book club last night at Marilyn’s with Melissa hosting.

The weather is back and forth with heat and rain. The rain is desperately needed as the forest fires are bad  here in BC and back east. They are also blazing in parts of Europe.

Leaving home is always challenging, having the house, callings and business all in order along with insuring that the dog is vaccinated, bathed and ready. I have to have myself ready too - pills, clothes etc. Oh, how I miss Tom but I know he will be in on this event. I need heavens help from Tom and our Heavenly Father. I always do. 

July 9, 2026

 Joanne, Jamie, Brook, Jennifer, Russel, Nora, Jonathan and Jeff are on an Alaska Cruise celebrating Joanne’s 80th birthday. Jeff had been struggling living on his own with Gertie. Cindy had been to visit him and afterward everyone decided that Jennifer and Russ better come for him. Cindy and Paul also went to give them support. Jenn and Russ took him home with them along with Gertie and helped get him ready for the cruise and back on his medications. Cindy brought some of his clothes and bedding home to wash and she and her family went back to clean his place out and bring the remainder of his belongings to my garage. He is feeling better and such a sweet boy. Hopefully we can get him back into Wagner Hills and make some arrangements for him to have Gertie near. I just want them to have a nice vacation and Joanne to enjoy herself. Dave is with his children in Kelowna and we are all hoping that goes well. Joanne worries about him going alone. 

I have worked to get all my banking, investment, interest and everything in order and moved from my old bank to my new bank. Things have finally been completed but the whole transfer has taken about six months. I have turned most of my investment over to the Muir team and set my money up for the next year on my own. I have been going to the physio for my neck and right shoulder and things are better but not perfect. I am busy with my Relief Society calling and my Temple calling but I enjoy both and enjoy the sisters I work with. We are still getting details in order for the family reunion.

Cindy is struggling with another cold and I fear that it is covid. She needs a rest and a break. Brendon’s sisters have now arrived in Kelowna and that gives Liza a good deal of anxiety. I feel for her. 

Keaton and Treyvn have both graduated high school and are working, Bryson is working as an FSY leader this summer and Sam is working at Royden Stanford’s office assisting. Breya is in summer school. Jack is home for July and working from home for John Layton. Treyvn and Bryson will be at BYU this fall, Keaton at UBCO, Jack at Uof L, Breya at Uof A, Sam at BYUI Pathway and Jadyn completing her masters remotely while working in Saint George.  Justin is a PT, Zach completed his MBA, Max completed his CPA and Ross is working on his CPA. They are all working hard and are good kids. I love my family and I am proud of them. Cindy is also at BYUI Pathway completing her degree. 

Angels here and angels over there. ❤️❤️

June 18, 2026

 It is nice to have Cindy and Paul back from Australia and, though they loved spending time with new baby Astrid, there have been some difficulties that have been part of their trip experience. One, here at home, Sam was having a flare with his stomach problems, to the point that we had to take him to the MapleRidge hospital one evening for a hydrating IV. I was trying to stay in touch with him daily and help him out without being overbearing and annoying. He is twenty and needs his independence but I was worried about him. Secondly, Cindy and Paul both got colds during their stay and had to keep a distance from the baby for a few days which was heartbreaking. And lastly, dear Buddy, the dog, has been going downhill for awhile but developed a lump by his mouth that was growing (perhaps an abscess) while they were gone and they had to make the sad decision to put him down last Saturday. This was needful but painful for all, especially for Sam. They are now settling back into work, school and life.

We had our Ministering Conference entitled “Love One Another” last week and it seemed to be a success. Sharon Hara, our activity chairman, worked hard with the decorating, and food which was quiche, salad and then a huge pavlova made by Melanie. Alice put together a chorus which sang a lovely version of  “Love One Another”. Melanie gave a presentation, followed by talks given by Karin and myself. Tina helped Sharon with the food. It was a very nice evening and our only desire would be to have had more in attendance.

I have had the Sister Missionaries for dinner, attended book club at Cheryl Leavitt’s, filled my callings, taken care of the yard with the warmer weather arriving, paid taxes (a lot of taxes), paid Larissa for the Reunion and worked with Rissa to make decisions regarding the Reunion. The Burgess family came down one weekend to attend the Temple and Keaton’s rugby tournament. I always love my family around. I went to get more large rocks to fill in gaps in the front yard that resulted when adjustments were made during the installation of my neighbor’s artificial turf.

 I went to Tom’s grave alone after my Temple shift on June 6. I will grieve him until we are together again because he has always had and still has my heart and, at this point in my journey, it hurts. I missed him at the Temple Workers’ devotional, I think because people ask me how I am doing and I know they are really asking how I am doing without him. The answer is - I am blessed but I am not whole, however, that is not what I say.

Liza and Sayde are in Florida for Sayde to have two weeks of intensive strengthening treatments. Unfortunately, as they went to pick up their rental car, Liza discovered that her license had expired. They are walking to the clinic, for groceries, etc. Luckily they are by the beach. Bryson is coming this weekend and they are hoping to get a rental car for him to drive. That may be a problem too as you are suppose to be 25 to get a rental car and he is 22. Hoping for the best and praying for them.

May 20, 2026

 Our big news is that baby girl Astrid Hardy was born on Monday, May 18 Australia time while it was still Sunday here in North America. We are so excited and she is beautiful. I think she looks like her father Max. Big brother Aksel seems to be thrilled with her so far but that could change when he realizes that she is a permanent family member and will be taking up a lot of his mother’s time. Cindy finally got the May baby girl that she always dreamed of. Cindy and Paul will be leaving soon for a few weeks in Australia to participate in the new baby excitement. Sam and I will remain here.

I have been working these past few weeks spreading bags of bark mulch, setting up the back deck for summer, washing windows etc and I seem to have an angry shoulder. I love to work on my house and my yard and it is upsetting when my body rebels.

I took Jack and Sam for brunch while Jack was here and then they helped me buy a new printer as mine was acting up. My security system was bought out by Telus, so I took up their offer for a new mobile phone and had my doorbell camera system switched to them as well. It has required many hours on Telus calls and numerous Telus visits but I think things are settled at the moment. My Telus TV system required some more work too. David Bigler helped me get my permanent lights up and working again. Maintaining life is a constant and exhausting. I am still working on getting all my banking switched to Scotia and that is coming along. I am trying to get my life simplified and it is a complicated process. We are working as a Relief Society Presidency to get ministering and activities up and running. I love this presidency and Sharon Hara serving over activities. I think we have some good ideas that hopefully bless the sisters. Rissa and I are discussing the Montana Family reunion and trying to get things organized. It puts a lot on Rissa, as she is more or less hosting and making the arrangements. She gave me a Little White House gift certificate for my birthday and Cindy and I used it last Friday for High Tea. Bela put together a wedding for a couple investigating the church and she assigned me to buy Costco flat cake. We celebrated that last Friday too.

I often have thoughts and feelings that I want to record but when I come to the blog they are not manifesting themselves at the right time. However, one reoccurring feeling I have is a daily constant and that is the feeling of pain I have missing Tom. I am doing well, very well but I still hurt terribly. You miss having your best friend to talk things over with, to share your hurts pains and frustrations with. You miss their constant love, support and encouragement but I still do feel those things. I know I am blessed beyond measure and I have nothing to complain about but oh the pain of missing him is intense and ongoing. I am so grateful for my family. Where would I be without them? I am grateful for the Savior and His gospel and I am grateful that my foundation was grounded there before this part of my life began. I am truly blessed!

April 30, 2026

 Days rarely turn out as planned. I had my day planned in my head when I got up today. I always have a day plan and always have things to do but I received an early morning call from a tearful Jeanne Arnold this morning saying she that was struggling and had not left for Alberta yesterday as was planned. We have been helping Jeanne for the last couple of weeks to get her small coach house packed up and cleaned in preparation for her move to Cardston. She is about three years younger than me and she has allergy and other health concerns that tend to limit her. She has only lived in the ward for a short time and she seems to move quite often. I have been lining up people to go and assist her almost daily. We scrambled today again and Cindy, Jack, Sam, Melanie and the Sister Missionaries and Elders rallied to her aid and got her car packed and her apartment in final order. The boys all helped give her a blessing. I am praying that she manages and lands safely.

We had Jeff’s graduation from Wagner Hill’s last Friday and Cindy, Sam, Jenn, Russ, Nora and I all attended. We are so proud of him and are just hoping and praying for his future success. He is flying to Alberta today to pick up his truck and his dog Gertie. Jenn and family stayed with me.

I have been working on Relief Society Activities with Sharon Hara and we have the year planned with Four Main Activities and Interest Group Activities. One of our main activities will be a Temple activity with the Vancouver Temple Matrons and I have been busy inviting all of them and asking them to save the date in October. I have been working on other calling related responsibilities as well, both Temple and Relief Society.

Liza and family came, along with Liza’s coworker Kiana, on the weekend of April 11. Brendon and the children did Temple Baptisms and Liza and Kiana attended a PT workshop and stayed an extra couple of days completing that.

I have got my taxes in, completed and paid. I have been setting up a new doorbell camera security system with Telus and I am ready to purchase a new printer as no one can get mine working. I had the windows and house washed, spread bark mulch in the flower beds and ordered flowers for Stake Conference held last weekend. I also attended book club at Marilyn’s this week. Somewhere, along the line, I have pulled my right shoulder and I am hoping I can get that feeling better.

Jack is here this week and Breya is home too. Both are returning for summer school as Bryson is doing too. Trey will be attending BYU the fall and Sam hopes to attend BYUI next year sometime. Everyone is busy.

Blessed and busy too.

April 8, 2026

 I have really let the time lapse since my last post. I am discouraged because I cannot seem to figure out how to add pictures but I will try to have one of the children help me sort it when they have a minute with me.

The last month has involved going to Kelowna to attend Sayde’s play, receivng a new calling, getting taxes together and celebrating Easter along with numerous other events but these are the highlights.

The week after we got back from Alberta I flew to Kelowna so I could attend Sayde’s play “Beetlejuice”. I asked Mary and Lincoln to drive me to the Vancouver Airport early in the morning on March 13. It was dark and raining and I felt concerned for dear Mary who was doing the driving, with Lincoln in the back and me in the front trying to help Mary find her way. Mary told me later, as I drove her to book club one evening, that both she and Lincoln felt Tom near encouraging them to take good care of his wife and that they would be kept safe on their drive home. I am always happy when people say they have felt him near because I feel him all the time. I am grateful for their kindness and Tom’s ever present love. Sayde’s performance was wonderful and she played one of the leads. She was the father and did marvellously well singing and dancing in her wheelchair. I just stayed two nights and we were able to celebrate Liza and my birthdays by going out for dinner Saturday evening with the family.

The Bishop asked to speak to me on Sunday March 9th and called me to serve in a new Relief Society Presidency with Melanie Leonard as president. I am happy to serve with Melanie, who is remarkable, and with Karen Chen and Cinthia Miranda, who will serve as secretary. I feel more comfortable in this calling than any calling I have had in a while. We have met several times, provided a missionary lunch, organized a Palm Sunday Linger Longer and made some home visits to sister’s homes. Melanie has been down to Salt Lake twice in the last month and we are still moving full steam ahead.

I have wanted to make more of the Easter Season this year as our church Leaders are suggesting, so I got  more decorations, kept my permanent outdoor lights shining and followed along the happenings on each day of Holy Week. The Ward and Stake Palm Sunday events were lovely. We, the Relief Society Presidency, decorated for and organized the Palm Sunday Linger Longer. General Conference happened to fall on Easter weekend and that event, along with it being a Solemn Assembly conference as we sustained a new Prophet and President, made it very special. We had our Easter Dinner on Monday with Cindy’s family, Jeff and Jean here at my house.

It has been an eventful month. I also changed my phone plan to Telus and got a new phone which I am still getting used to. I have collected and got our taxes into Phil our accountant but I am still receiving some more in the mail and will have to get those special delivered to Phil. I gave Cindy Tom’s laptop for her schooling and I am looking to get a new, smaller one for myself. I am wanting to use up Avion points and thought they could go toward a new laptop.

Liza, Breya, Monica and I had our birthday’s in March. Kona had her 4th Birthday April 2 and Sarah had her’s two days later. My family, Joanne, Jean, Melanie were all good to me on my Birthday. I am blessed.